The search had been going on for some time, but D.C. finally have their man.

D.C. United have named former Kansas City Wizards coach Curt Onalfo as the sixth coach in the franchises history. He’ll be introduced on January 5th.

"This has been a lengthy process but at the end of it we believe Curt Onalfo will be an outstanding leader for D.C. United," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne in a press release. "Our first priority was to find someone who shares the club's long-standing philosophy of attacking soccer - and Curt absolutely does.

"Having played and coached here, Curt understands the culture of D.C. United. As a former member of our 1998 and 1999 championship-winning teams, he understands what is necessary today to fulfill the D.C. United legacy and meet the lofty expectations that follow our club."

A man with a history in the nation’s capital, Onalfo, 40, was a United player from 1998-1999, and helped the team win the MLS Cups during both seasons as a defender. He also served as an assistant with the club from 2000-2002.

"I am very excited to lead D.C. United into a new era, building on its storied and successful history," said Onalfo. "Having already played and served as an assistant coach for the most successful club in MLS history, I understand the expectations that come along with this position. It takes more to be the head coach of United and I fully intend to help bring D.C. its fifth MLS Cup."

His first head coaching job came with the Kansas City Wizards, where he was in charge from 2007-2009. He was fired midway through last season after a poor start to the year and has been out of work since.

A Sao Paulo, Brazil native, Onalfo grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut and attended the University of Virginia, where he played under Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena.